Streaming Defenses: Week 12 Targets

Nov 18, 2014

For those new to Streaming Defenses (also called Defensive Team By Waiver Wire, or DTBWW), the strategy goes like this: Each week, you target a mediocre defense on the waiver wire, looking for a good matchup (i.e. bad quarterback, suspect offensive line, etc.), preferably at home. You will typically get good defensive production without having to burn a semi-valuable pick on draft day. Or if you do draft a defense and they start to disappoint, you can stream the rest of the way.

Note: For more on selecting a defense each week, read Chris Raybon’s excellent piece about what factors go into an attractive defensive matchup. I have come to some of the same conclusions over the years, but he added a few new factors to consider.

I have been writing this streaming feature for five years -- offering readers several available-on-the-waiver-wire defense picks each week -- and they averaged DT5, DT6, DT7, DT10 and DT8 numbers from 2009 to 2013. Generating top 10 DT numbers off the waiver wire allows fantasy owners to basically ignore the position on draft day, instead focusing on more important areas.

Generally, defenses have to be available on the waiver wire in at least 40% of Yahoo fantasy leagues to be eligible. This ensures that we are talking about defenses that are readily available.

It was a mixed bag last week. The Packers (29 FP, DT1), Chargers (11 FP, DT7) and Steelers (8 FP, DT10) posted good-to-great numbers, while the Vikings (4 FP, DT19) Redskins (4 FP, DT19), Browns (2 FP, DT25) and Saints (1 FP, DT27) were duds. On average, the 26 defenses scored 8.0 FP so it was a relatively average week for the position.

On the season, these streaming picks are averaging 9.1 FP, or DT9-type numbers.

Note: The Bills have a great matchup at home against the Jets, so don’t cut bait on Buffalo just yet, unless you can nab the Colts or the 49ers.

Let's take a look at the top streaming picks for Week 12:

Colts (vs. JAX)
Last week, the Colts scored 4.0 FP against the Patriots, who represent the worst matchup for opposing defenses. This week, Indianapolis has the best matchup (Blake Bortles and the Jaguars) at home, so the Colts should fare far better.